Accounts Payable Clerk

Accounts payable clerks typically work for accounting firms or companies with accounting departments. They are responsible for coordinating different functions related to accounts payable for their company. Their responsibilities include, among other things the entry of data and handling customer queries as well as preparing financial statements and assisting with maintenance of vendors. In all their tasks, the clerks must ensure an extremely high level of precision.

Employers frequently encourage accountants to implement process improvements in order to make their work more efficient. These employees must adhere to their company's policies and procedures, and generally accepted accounting standards (GAAP). They must also adhere to internal audit procedures and collaborate closely together with the internal auditors. Clerks of accounts payable must stay current with the latest practices in their field. Additionally, they might be required to teach new clerks for accounts payable.

High school graduation or a similar qualification is usually required for this job, and experience in the relevant field is usually recommended or required. A bachelor's qualification in the field of accounting, or a related field is a good option. Clerks in Accounts Payable must be proficient in basic computer programs like Microsoft Office, the Microsoft Office suite and any required accounting software. They should possess good communications and interpersonal skills. They must be able to adhere to deadlines and pay careful attention to the smallest of details.

As an Accounts Payable Clerk with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

• Managing and processing vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy and adherence to company policies.
• Reconciling accounts payable transactions to ensure timely and accurate payments to vendors.
• Responding to vendor inquiries and resolving any discrepancies or issues related to payments.
• Assisting with month-end closing activities, including reconciling accounts and preparing financial reports.

For an Accounts Payable Clerk job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Proficiency in financial software and systems to process and maintain accurate accounts payable records, including invoice coding, payment scheduling, and reconciliation.
• Attention to detail to review and validate invoices, ensuring their accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Strong numerical and mathematical skills to perform calculations and verify payment amounts, detecting any discrepancies or errors.
• Time management abilities to prioritize tasks effectively, meet payment deadlines, and handle multiple invoices simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

The role of an Accounts Payable Clerk is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and cash flow management. For professionals in the United Kingdom with 6-9 years of experience, here are following alternative roles to consider:

• Accounts Payable Supervisor: A role leading a team of clerks, ensuring timely and accurate payment processing, and implementing process improvements.
• Financial Controller: A position responsible for overseeing the entire finance function, including financial reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Tax Specialist: A role focused on tax compliance, managing tax liabilities, and ensuring adherence to tax laws and regulations.
• Audit Manager: A position involved in performing financial audits, evaluating internal controls, and providing recommendations for risk mitigation.

According to recent data, the accounts payable clerk role in the United Kingdom is expected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the job role has shown consistent demand and is projected to continue to do so in the future. With businesses expanding and financial management becoming increasingly important, the need for accounts payable clerks is anticipated to rise. As a result, there will likely be a significant number of employment opportunities available in this field. This growth is supported by data from various sources and industry reports, indicating a positive outlook for individuals seeking a career in accounts payable clerk roles in the UK.